Our Vision:

To provide an integrated patient focused service, delivering efficient, high quality, evidence-based care to patients with COPD in Dudley.

Introduction

COPD is a major cause of hospital admissions in the UK, accounting for over one million hospital admissions each year. Effective management of patients with COPD will result in positive patient outcomes that will be echoed throughout the local health economy.

Exacerbations of COPD are a major cause of hospitalizations, causing significant burden for patients and the health service. Exacerbations are distressing and disruptive for patients and account for a significant proportion of the total healthcare costs of COPD. Through proactive management exacerbations can be prevented, treated more effectively should they be encountered, reduce expensive treatment costs and impact positively on patients’ health status.

These guidelines have been published as an electronic resource, to allow professionals to identify, diagnose and manage COPD. To achieve the following:

The care of patients with COPD in Dudley will be enhanced, resulting in all patients receiving efficient and effective care.

Improved communication and collaborative working (where appropriate) leading to an increase in ‘community managed’ patients.

Reduction of unnecessary hospital admissions for COPD. Evidence shows that if admissions are avoided then the lung function can be maintained

Reduced length of stay when patients with COPD are admitted to hospital as a result of a COPD exacerbation

Early intervention

Appropriate care that will be provided in the appropriate place

Availability of services closer to the patient

Multi-disciplinary approach to service development

Evidence-based interventions according to local guidelines

Avoidance of duplication with Secondary Care

Increased patient involvement

Education and training for clinicians – more accurate diagnosis and a more structured approach to care thus improving quality of life for those experiencing COPD

Healthcare that will be more financially effective for the NHS

Patients with COPD will benefit from:

Improved quality of life

Increased social inclusion

Increased patient involvement

Improved self-esteem and family relations

Healthcare professionals within primary care to be able to deliver a sustainable service